KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters) Local 41 Business Agent Jason Streit, administration wasn’t necessarily where he envisioned himself, but when Local 41 President Joseph Monslow inquired about becoming secretary-treasurer, Streit welcomed the opportunity.
Streit was appointed secretary-treasurer of Local 41 by Monslow — and approved by Local 41’s executive board — stepping into the position on June 27 after Business Agent and Secretary-Treasurer Jon Flinn announced his retirement, a role he held for the past six years.
Streit joined Local 41 in 2004 as a casual, following influence from his father-in-law who, Streit shared, was a Teamster and Freight Division member. His role began working on the dock for Arkansas Best Freight (ABF Freight) before he transitioned to full-time with the company in 2005.
He continued working in the Freight Division with forklift operations as well as truck driving for 15 years before he became involved with Local 41’s administrative department — first as business agent in 2020, where he will continue to serve, and now as secretary-treasurer.
“I’m excited about the position; I take the obligation extremely seriously,” Streit said in an interview. “At every step, I take representation seriously, and generally speaking, the other things take care of themselves.”
Along with continuing his role as freight (business) agent for Local 41, as secretary-treasurer, Streit shared that he will serve as the local’s fiduciary — ensuring the stability and wellness of its finances.
Included within his radar is Local 41’s Northland relocation to 10525 N. Ambassador Drive, Ste. 200, from its previous spot near the Country Club Plaza.
While Streit shared that the local moved into its new space a little over a year ago, its new suite is owned entirely by Local 41 — a feat that was not achieved in its previous space.
As the union needed to purchase its new hall, Streit shared that he, along with additional members of Local 41’s administrative department, has worked to organize the space’s lease finances for its members for the next two decades.
While this is a new position for Streit, the education he received from those who served in roles before him, as well as fellow members of Local 41’s administrative team, has provided him with the tools he needs to succeed.
“I’ve followed Jon Flinn, the previous business agent and freight; he had things very prepared, and same with his role as secretary-treasurer,” he said in an interview. “He worked very well; it was good to be following someone who had things in place.”
And not only have the people he’s met along the way made an impact, but Streit shared that it is also his previous roles with Teamsters Local 41 — and the tools from which he still utilizes today — that contributed to his recent promotion.
“I would like to say driving the truck and getting involved in the union side of things,” he said when asked what aspect has left the greatest influence. “My longtime steward Bruce Williams taught me what I need to know to represent the membership in that side of things; he was huge in me getting involved in any of this. He got me started and taught me everything I know.”
Julia Williams — a Kansas City native — is a reporter and digital producer for The Labor Beacon. A University of Missouri School of Journalism alumna, she previously served as the editor-in-chief of The Northeast News before joining The Labor Beacon staff.
Williams’s grandfather was a Claycomo Ford Motor Company retiree and avid UAW Local 249 supporter, allowing her to understand the union difference from a young age.
In her free time, Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see her friends and hanging out at home with her cat, Greta. She loves a good cup of coffee, seeing local, live music and shopping secondhand. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to bring her knowledge of journalistic integrity to the Kansas City union community — giving union and labor workers a voice, while holding people in powerful positions accountable.
